Kyrgios takes big step in injury comeback

Nick Kyrgios's French Open prospects have improved, with the Australian No.1 making a winning return after almost six weeks out with an elbow injury.

Kyrgios teamed with American Jack Sock to record a first-round doubles victory at the ATP clay-court event in Lyon.

The pair's 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 win over Federico Delbonis and Joao Sousa was Kyrgios's first match since losing in the quarter-finals in Houston last month and returning home to Canberra for treatment.

The world No.23 has opted against playing singles this week and appears to be racing the clock to be fully fit for Roland Garros starting on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Bernard Tomic, Thanasi Kokkinakis and rising star Akira Santillan will continue their bids to join Kyrgios and fellow Australians John Millman, Matt Ebden, Jordan Thompson, James Duckworth and Alex de Minaur in the men's main draw on Wednesday night.

Tomic, Kokkinakis and Santillan all play their second-round qualifying matches in Paris.

Nick Kyrgios is racing against the clock to be fully fit for Roland Garros. Pic: Supplied

But John-Patrick Smith fell at the first hurdle on Tuesday, going down 6-3 4-6 6-4 to Frenchman Corentin Denolly before rain forced the suspension of the rest of the day's scheduled qualifying matches.

Women's hopeful Olivia Rogowska was locked at one set all against Kathinka Von Deichmann of the Netherland when her first-round battle was halted.